STRUCTURE FOR A STORAGE UNIT

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a structure for a storage unit.

Background

[0002] It is common that open faced storage units, such as containers, vessels, and trays are used to store food or other products, wherein a cover such as a lid or plate is used to close the storage unit. The cover may be used for the purposes of simply ensuring that the products are securely retained within the storage unit, however in other instances the cover is used to create an air tight seal to help ensure freshness or prevent the product contained within being exposed to an external environment.

[0003] It is a common problem that storage units are bought without an appropriate cover or people have difficulty locating the correct lid which corresponds to a particular storage unit.

[0004] In instances where a corresponding cover cannot be located, thin plastic film or aluminium sheet is used to enclose the storage unit, however this has disadvantages such as failing to create a sufficient air-tight seal, non-reusable, low strength, and not environmentally friendly.

[0005] Another problem commonly encountered is that some lids of storage units are quite brittle due to the material which they are manufactured from. For example, lids typically used in combination with trays and pans used in restaurants and the like are typically quite brittle and may fracture during normal use or washing.

[0006] Another problem commonly encountered relates to the design of the flange of the lid which cooperates with the lip of the container to retain to the lid to the container. If the lid needs to be cleaned, for example a portion of a food product is retained within the flange, it can be extremely difficult to clean this portion of the lid due to the relatively enclosed design of the flange. Cleaning mechanisms, such as dishwashers, are typically not suitable for cleaning the inner surface of flanges of a lid due to their substantially concealed design.

[0007] Therefore, there is a need for a structure that overcomes or at least alleviates one or more of the above-mentioned problems, or at least provides a commercial alternative,

[0008] The reference in this specification to any prior publication (or information derived from it), or to any matter which is known, is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgement or admission or any form of suggestion that that prior publication (or information derived from it) or known matter forms part of the common general knowledge in the field of endeavour to which this specification relates.

[0009] EP1531132 A1 relates to a membrane for closing containers having the features present in the pre-characterising portion of claim 1. FR1062553 relates to an adaptable plug for different sized necks. US5964368 relates to an elastic loop closure holder according to the pre-characterising portion of claim 11.

Summary

[0010] In one broad aspect there is provided a structure for substantially sealing a storage unit, wherein the structure includes an elastically stretchable flange cooperable with a lip provided on a rim of the storage unit, wherein the flange is elastically urged to seal against the lip of the storage unit.

[0011] The structure is a lid, wherein the lid includes an elastically stretchable membrane having a perimeter including the elastically stretchable flange, wherein the elastically stretchable membrane encloses an open face of the storage unit.

[0012] The flange can be movable between a first position, wherein the flange is cooperable to engage the lip of the storage unit, and a second position, wherein at least some of the flange is out-turned such that an inner surface of the flange which engages against the lip of the storage unit faces outwardly.

[0013] In one embodiment, the perimeter includes one or more corners, wherein at least some of the corners are twistable to move the flange between the first position and the second position.

[0014] In another embodiment, a portion of the flange located at each corner is an overcentered arrangement to retain the corners in one of the first and second position.

[0015] The structure includes:

a first flange portion, extending from the membrane, which extends substantially orthogonal relative to a plane of the membrane; and

a second flange portion, extending from the first flange portion, which extends substantially parallel and inwardly relative to the plane of the membrane;

wherein a portion of the membrane adjacent the flange, the first flange portions and the second flange portions cooperate to engage about the lip of the storage unit.

[0016] The first and second flange portions have a cross-section thickness greater than a cross-section thickness of the membrane.

[0017] In an optional embodiment, the second flange portion extends inwardly from the first flange portion a greater distance at corners of the perimeter compared to the second flange portions at non-corner portions of the perimeter.

[0018] In another optional embodiment, the membrane is at least partially transparent.

[0019] Optionally, the membrane includes a non-linear cross-sectional profile.

[0020] In one form, a portion of the membrane includes an undulated profile in cross-section to allow for the lid to be stretched.

[0021] In another form, a portion of the membrane includes a concertinaed arrangement to allow for the lid to be stretched.

[0022] In one embodiment, at least a portion of the membrane includes a plurality of pyramidic protrusions.

[0023] In another embodiment, the external edge of the flange includes a protruding member to assist in applying leverage to the lid when applying or removing the lid to a storage unit.

[0024] In an optional embodiment, the membrane is depressable whilst a substantial portion of the flange is engaged about the lip of the storage unit, wherein excess air contained in the storage unit is expelled via a lifted portion of the flange when the membrane is depressed.

[0025] In another embodiment of the invention, the structure is a band urging a covering plate to substantially seal against the lip provided on the rim of the storage unit, wherein
the band includes:

a first flange portion which is elastically urged against a top surface of the covering plate resting against the lip of the storage unit such that a substantial seal is formed between the covering plate and the lip of the storage unit;

a second flange portion, extending from and substantially orthogonal to the first flange portion; and

a third flange portion, extending from the second flange portion, which extends substantially parallel relative to the first flange portion, wherein the third flange portion is elastically urged to seal against an underside of the lip of the storage unit.

[0026] In one form, the first flange portion, the second flange portion, and the flange portion have cross-sectional thickness which is substantially equal.

[0027] In another form, the third flange portion located at corners of band protrude inwardly from the second flange portion relative to the third flange portion located at non-corner portions of the band.

[0028] In one embodiment, the flange includes a plurality of protrusions to allow for the flange to move between an expanded and retracted position.

[0029] In another embodiment, the plurality of protrusions provided on the flange are pyramidic protrusions.

[0030] In an optional form, the structure is made from silicone rubber.

[0031] Other embodiments will be described throughout the description of the example embodiments.

Brief Description of the Figures

[0032] Example embodiments should become apparent from the following description, which is given by way of example only, of at least one preferred but non-limiting embodiment, described in connection with the accompanying figures.

Figure 1 illustrates a plan view of an example of a lid;

Figure 2 illustrates an underside view of the lid of Figure 1;

Figure 3 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the lid along line A-A;

Figure 4 illustrates a cross-sectional and magnified view of the lid of Figure 1 along line A-A being applied to a lip of a storage unit;

Figure 5 illustrates a cross-sectional and magnified view of the lid of Figure 1 along line A-A engaged with the lip of the storage unit;

Figure 6 illustrates a perspective underside view of the lid of Figure 1;

Figure 7 illustrates a perspective underside view of the lid engaged with the storage unit of Figure 5;

Figure 8 illustrates a stretching force being applied to the lid of Figure 1;

Figure 9 illustrates the lid of Figure 1 wherein the flange has been moved to the second position such that the inner wall of the flange is out-turned;

Figure 10A illustrates a cross-sectional view of a further example of a lid including a membrane having a non-linear cross-sectional profile;

Figure 10B illustrates a cross-sectional view the lid of Figure 10A, wherein a force F has been applied to the lid to cause the non-linear cross-sectional profile of the membrane to expand;

Figure 10C illustrates a top view of an example of a lid having a number of fold lines in an unexpanded position;

Figure 10D illustrates a top view of the lid of Figure 10C, wherein the lid has been stretched to engage about a differently shaped storage unit or rim thereof;

Figure 10E illustrates a perspective view of an example of a lid which does not form part of the present invention, including a membrane and flange having a non-linear cross-sectional profile;

Figure 10F illustrates a perspective view of an example of a lid which does not form part of the present invention, including a portion of the membrane and the flange having a non-linear cross-section profile;

Figure 11 illustrates a top view of an example of a band for sealing a storage unit;

Figure 12 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the band of Figure 11 through section line B-B; and

Figure 13 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the band of Figure 11 engaging a portion of a storage unit.

Description of Embodiments

[0033] The following modes, given by way of example only, are described in order to provide a more precise understanding of the subject matter of a preferred embodiment or embodiments. In the figures, incorporated to illustrate features of an example embodiment, like reference numerals are used to identify like parts throughout the figures.

[0034] Referring to the figures there is illustrated a structure for substantially sealing a storage unit. The structure includes an elastically stretchable flange cooperable with a lip provided on a rim of the storage unit, wherein the flange is elastically urged to seal against the lip of the storage unit to substantially seal the storage unit.

[0035] In one form, the structure may be provided in the form of a lid 10 as shown by Figures 1 to 9. In particular, the lid 10 includes an elastically stretchable membrane 20 having a perimeter 30 including an elastically stretchable flange 40 cooperable to engage a lip 210 provided on a rim 220 of a storage unit 200 (see Figures 5 and 7), wherein the elastically stretchable membrane 20 encloses an open face of the storage unit.

[0036] In use, as shown in Figures 4, 5 and 7, the flange 40 is folded over at least a portion of the lip 210 of the storage unit 200, wherein the lid 10 has not completely sealed the storage unit 200. Once at least a portion of the lip 210 of the storage unit 200 has been engaged by a portion of the flange 40, the user can depress the central portion of the membrane, as shown by arrow 250 in Figure 4, to expel at least a portion of the air contained in the storage unit 200 due to the membrane 40 being elastically deformable and stretchable. This action thereby creates a negative pressure within the storage unit 200. The remaining portion of the flange 40 is then folded over the lip 210 of the storage unit 200 whilst the user substantially maintains a depressed force 250 against the membrane 40. Once the flange 40 has engaged the lip 210 of the storage unit 200, the user can then remove the depressed force 250 being applied to the membrane 40, thereby creating a vacuum between the flange 40 and membrane 20 with the rim 220 and lip 210 of the storage unit 200. However, in an alternate method of attaching the lid to the storage unit, the user may manipulate the lid such that the flange is engaged with the rim of the storage unit. The user may then lift a portion of the flange which is not adjacent the corners and apply a depressed force against the membrane to expel a portion of the air contained within the storage unit. The lifted portion of the flange is then quickly released to thereby create the negative pressure within the storage unit. Due to the negative pressure created by expelling at least some of the air from within the storage unit 200, the membrane 20 may have a depressed profile due to the elastically stretchable property of the membrane 20. This negative pressure helps to effectively seal the membrane 20 and flange 40 with the rim 220 and lip 210 of the storage unit 200. The removal of excess air can assist in the storage of particular products, such as foodstuff and the like, in the storage unit 200 thereby effectively increasing their effective lifespan.

[0037] The flange 40 is movable between a first position, as shown in Figure 6, wherein the flange 40 is cooperable to engage the lip 210 of the storage unit 200, and a second position, as shown in Figure 9, wherein the flange 40 is out-turned such that an inner surface 41 of the flange 40 which engages against the lip of the storage unit protrudes outwardly. As shown in the figures, the flange 40 is effectively reversed and has been turned inside-out. By being able to move the lid to the second position, the inner surface 41 of the flange scan be configured to be outwardly facing, thus allowing for the inner surface 41 of the flange 40 to be assessed and cleaned easily, such as via use of a dishwasher and other known cleaning methods and mechanisms which have been difficult to use in the past to clean the flange of a lid. As shown in Figures 1, 2 and 6, the perimeter 30 includes one or more corners 50, wherein at least some of the corners 50 are twistable to move the flange 40 between the first position and the second position. Generally, a user can apply a substantially radially directed inward force to an apex of one or more of the corners 50 whilst applying a substantially radially directed outward force to the edge of the flange 40, thereby creating a twisting motion of the flange 40, thereby turning the flange inside-out as shown in Figure 9.

[0038] As shown in Figure 3, the flange 40 includes a number of portions. In particular, the flange 40 includes a first flange portion 45, extending from the membrane 20, which extends substantially orthogonal relative to a plane of the membrane 20 in an unstretched state. The flange 40 also includes a second flange portion 46, extending from the first flange portion 45, which extends substantially parallel and inwardly relative to the plane of the membrane 20 in an unstretched state. A portion of the membrane 20 adjacent the flange 40 in addition to the first flange portions 45 and the second flange portions 46 cooperate together to engage about the lip 210 and rim 220 of the storage unit 200. This configuration thereby provides a three point sealing configuration. Specifically, the undersurface of the adjacent portion of the elastically stretchable membrane 20 seals against the 220 rim of the storage unit 200, the inner surface 41 of the first flange portion 45 seals against the edge of the lip of the storage unit 200, and the upwardly facing inner surface 41 of the second flange portion 46 seals against the under-side surface of the lip 210 of the storage unit 200. Due to the elastically stretchable property of the flange 40 and membrane 20, the flange portions 45, 56 and membrane 20 are biased against the rim 220 and lip 210 of the storage unit 200, thereby providing an effective seal for the storage unit 200 from the external environment.

[0039] As shown in Figures 6 and 7, a section of the second flange portion 46 extends inwardly from the first flange portion a greater distance at the corners 50 to define a corner flange 47. The corner flanges 47 have a larger second flange portion compared to the flange provided along the non-corner portions of the perimeter 30. These corner flanges 47 allow for the additional engagement between the lid 10 and the storage unit 200. Additionally, the corner flanges 47 enable the flange 40 to resist the bias of the plastic material of the lid from the second position to the first position. As will be appreciated, the corner flanges 47 operate as an overcentre arrangement, wherein when the corners are out-turned, the larger second flange portions 46 retain the lid in the second position as shown in Figure 9.

[0040] As shown in Figure 8, due to the elastically stretchable property of the membrane 20 and flange 40, the lid can be adapted to be used on variously sized open faces of various storage units 200, particularly where the open face of the storage unit has one or more edges which are longer than one or more edges of the lid 10 which can be stretched to engage about the rim 220 of the storage unit 200 accordingly. A stretching force 260 can be applied to the perimeter of the lid to cause elastic deformation. The lid 10 is made from an relastically stretchable material such as silicone rubber, wherein the material is biased back to an unstretched position due to the elastically stretchable property of the material. In an optional form, the lid may be substantially transparent to allow a user to see within the sealed storage unit without having to remove the lid. It will be appreciated that silicone rubber also provides additional advantages such as being heat tolerant. Additionally, silicone rubber can act as a suitable heat-insulating material which can be useful for storing particular products, such as food, where the temperature of the product is to be substantially maintained as long as possible. However, other types of elastically stretchable material could be used accordingly. The lid can be manufactured via a mould, wherein liquid silicone can be poured into the mould which is left to set. The set liquid silicone can then be peeled out of the mould.

[0041] In one form, the membrane 20 may have a thickness of approximately 1mm to 2mm, however it will be appreciated that the thickness of the membrane 20 may vary according to the particular application. It will be appreciated that the lid 10 disclosed can be used on storage units 200 having a lip that has a thickness between 5 to 35 mm, however it will be appreciated that other thicknesses of storage unit lips 210 may be accommodated. It will be appreciated that the lid may be able to seal various storage units made from various products, wherein the lip and/or rim of the storage unit 200 may be made from steel, plastic, rubber, porcelain, ceramic, acrylic, metal, resin, wood, stone, glass as well as other suitable materials appreciated by those in the art.

[0042] In another optional form, at least a portion of the lid 10, in particular the membrane 20, can include a non-linear cross-sectional profile 22 as shown in Figure 10A. The non-linear cross-sectional profile 22 can take the form of a plurality of fold lines forming a concertinaed arrangement as shown in Figure 10A, an undulated, wave-like cross-sectional profile, or the like. The non-linear cross-sectional profile 22 of the membrane 20 allows for portions of the membrane 20 to expand more easily than linear cross-sectional portions 22 of the membrane 20, thereby reducing the amount of strain on the membrane whilst allowing the lid 10 to accommodate various sized storage units 200. This is clearly illustrated in Figure 10B wherein the non-linear cross-sectional profile 22 of the membrane has expanded due to force F, however the portions of the membrane having a substantially linear cross-sectional profile 20 have remained substantially constant in length, thereby reducing the strain on the thin membrane 20. It will be appreciated that portions of the flange 40 can also include a non-linear profile such as a concertinaed or undulated arrangement.

[0043] Referring to Figure 10C there is shown a top view of the lid 10 having a non-linear cross-sectional profile including a plurality of fold lines 22A, 22B, 22C, 22D, 22E provided in the membrane 20 of the lid 10. As shown in Figure 10C, the fold lines 22A, 22B, 22C, 22D, 22E are concentrically arranged. It will be appreciated that the concentrically arranged fold lines 22 may form various profiles such as circular, elliptical, or polygonal profiles such as rectangular profiles or the like. The lid 10 in Figure 10C is shown in an unstretched state where no force has been applied to the lid. Referring to Figure 10D, the lid 10 has been stretched to engage about a substantially circular or elliptical lip provided on the rim of a storage unit 200. As can be seen in Figure 10D, the distance between neighbouring fold lines 22A, 22B, 22C, 22D, 22E has changed between the unstretched and stretched state enabling the lid to engage with the lip of a storage unit which has a perimeter profile which differs to the perimeter profile of the lid in the unstretched state shown in Figure 10C. The non-linear profile of portions of the lid 10 thereby enables for differently shaped open faces of storage units 200 to be sealed with the same lid 10.

[0044] Referring to Figure 10E there is shown an example of a lid 10 which does not form part of the present invention, which includes a membrane having a non-linear cross-sectional profile. In particular, the non-linear cross-sectional profile is provided as a plurality of protrusions 29, specifically substantially pyramidic protrusions 29, which substantially form the membrane 20 of the lid 10, thereby allowing the membrane 20 to expand and distort according to differently shaped lips of storage units 250. More specifically, the each pyramidic protrusion 25 provided on a portion of the membrane 20 has an axis which extends orthogonally relative to the plane of the membrane 20 in the unstreteched state. As also shown in Figure 10E, the flange 40, including the first flange portion 45, includes a non-linear cross-sectional profile including a number of protrusions 26, such as pyramidic protrusions 26, wherein each pyramidic protrusion 26 provided on the first flange portion 45 includes an axis which extends substantially orthogonal to the axis of the pyramidic protrusions 25 provided on the membrane 20. As will be discussed in relation to Figure 10F, a plurality of protrusions can be provided on the second flange portion 46. The plurality of protrusions 29 are configured to at least partially collapse and/or distort in one or more directions when a stretching force is applied to the lid 10 to thereby reduce the strain on the lid 10. Specifically, the apex of the pyramidic protrusions 29 is lowered thereby defining a more linear cross-sectional profile in a stretched state compared to the unstretched state. It will be appreciated that the protrusions 29 do not include a base surface. As shown in Figures 10E and 10F, base fold lines of the protrusions 29 can be shared between neighbouring protrusions 29. As shown, a in Figures 10E and 10F, a matrix layout of protrusions 29 can be provided on the lid 10. Additionally, it will be appreciated that the membrane 20 can elastically stretch, expand and distort to seal an object in the storage unit 200 which protrudes above the rim of the storage unit 200.

[0045] Referring to Figure 10F there is shown another example of the lid 10 which includes a portion of the membrane 20 including a non-linear cross-sectional profile, wherein pyramidic protrusions 25 are provided adjacent the perimeter of the membrane 20, however a portion of the membrane non-adjacent to the perimeter and flange 40 of the lid 10 does not include protrusions but rather includes a substantially linear cross-sectional profile. Additionally, pyramidic protrusions 26, 27 are also provided on the flange. In particular, a first set of pyramidic protrusions 26 are provided on the first flange 26 and a second set of pyramidic protrusions 27 are provided on the second flange portion 46. The first and second sets of pyramidic flange protrusions thereby allow the flange to expand and adjust to differently shaped lips provided on rims of storage units.

[0046] It will be appreciated that whilst pyramidic protrusions 25, 26, 27 have been shown by example for Figures 10E to 10F, wherein the pyramidic protrusions 25, 26, 27 collapse and distort according to various forces applied to the lid 10 when engaging the lip of the storage container 200, other shaped protrusions may also be used, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, to allow for the lid 10 to engage differently shaped rims, such that the lid 10 is a universal lid.

[0047] In an optional form the external edge of the flange includes one or more protruding members protruding therefrom to assist in applying leverage to the lid 10 when applying or removing the lid 10 to a storage unit 200. The plurality of protruding members can be located about the external perimeter 30 of the lid 10. The protruding members can be located at the corners 50 of the perimeter 30 in order to enable a user to easily apply leverage to the lid 10 when removing the lid 10 from a storage unit 200, and easily applying a stretching force to the lid 10 when applying the lid 10 to the storage unit 200.

[0048] In another form, the structure may be provided in the form of a band 300, as illustrated by Figures 11 to 13. In particular, the band is essentially a form of the lid 10 without the flexible membrane defining a central aperture 301. The band 300 includes a stretchable flange 305 for engaging about the lip of the storage unit. The band 300 is intended to be used in situations where a cover 400 may be placed over an open face of the storage unit 200, yet an air-tight seal is required. The band 300 may be placed around the lip of the storage unit 200 such that the cover is urged against the lip 210 of the storage unit 200. The cover may be a plate, a film of the like which has been discussed above which is used for closing an open face of a storage unit.

[0049] Referring more specifically to Figures 12 and 13, the band 300 includes a first flanges portion 310, a second flange portion 320 and a third flange portion 330. The first flange portion 310 is elastically urged to seal against a top surface of the cover 400 and a top surface of the lip 210 of the storage unit 200. The second flange portion 320 extends from and is substantially orthogonal to the first flange portion 310. The third flange portion 330 extends from the second flange portion 320 and is substantially parallel relative to the first flange portion 310, wherein the third flange portion 330 is elastically urged to substantially seal against an underside of the lip 210 of the storage unit 200. In the event that the cover, such as film, extends over at least a portion of the rim of the storage unit 200, the second flange portion 320 and optionally the third flange portion 330 may elastically urge portions of the cover to substantially seal against a side and underside surface of the lip of the storage unit 200.

[0050] It will be appreciated that the band 300 may be used for storage units 200 such as food trays where a cover 400 is placed over the open face of the tray whilst resting on or placed over the rim. For these types of situations, the band is placed over and engages the lip 210 and the covering plate 400 such as to create a substantially air-tight seal which could not be achieved previously with the cover alone with the storage unit.

[0051] It will be appreciated that in an embodiment not forming part of the present invention, the flange, including the first, second and/or third flange portions 310, 320, 330 can include a non-linear cross-sectional profile. In particular, a plurality of protrusions can be provided in the surface of the flange to allow for expansion of the band to seal about various sized lips of the storage unit. In particular, the protrusions may be provided similarly to the pyramidic protrusions provided in Figures 10E and 10F as discussed for the lid 10. In additional or alternate forms, the non-linear cross-sectional profile of the flange portions can include concertinaed or undulated arrangements.

[0052] It will be appreciated that many different forms of storage units may be engaged by the disclosed structure, including open faced containers, trays, bowls and vessels. It will also be appreciated that the perimeter of the structure can have various profiles, such as square/rectangular as shown in the figures, as well as other shapes such as a circular profile, an elliptical profile or any type of polygonal profile.

[0053] In the context of this specification, the word "comprising" means "including principally but not necessarily solely" or "having" or "including", and not "consisting only of". Variations of the word "comprising", such as "comprise" and "comprises" have correspondingly varied meanings.

[0054] Many modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention, as defined by appended claims.

Claims

1. A lid (10) for substantially sealing a storage unit (200), the lid including an elastically stretchable membrane (20) having a perimeter (30) including an elastically stretchable flange (40) cooperable with a lip (210) provided on a rim of a storage unit wherein, in use, the flange (40) is elastically urged to seal against the lip of a storage unit, wherein the elastically stretchable flange includes:

a first flange portion (45), extending from the membrane (20),

a second flange portion (46), extending from the first flange portion (45), and

whereby, in use, a portion of the membrane (20) adjacent the flange (40), the first flange portions (45) and the second flange portions (46) cooperate to engage about the lip (210) of a storage unit, and the elastically stretchable membrane encloses an open face of a storage unit (200); and

characterised in that the first flange portion (45) extends substantially orthogonal relative to a plane of the membrane (20);
the second flange portion (46) extends substantially parallel and inwardly relative to the plane of the membrane; and
the first and second flange portions (45, 46) have a cross-section thickness greater than a cross-section thickness of the membrane (20).

2. The lid (10) according to claim 1, wherein the flange (40) is movable between a first position, wherein the flange is cooperable to engage the lip (210) of the storage unit, and a second position wherein at least some of the flange (40) is out-turned such that an inner surface (41) of the flange (40) which engages against the lip (210) of the storage unit (200) faces outwardly.

3. The lid (10) according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the perimeter (30) includes one or more corners (50), wherein at least some of the corners are twistable to move the flange (40) between the first position and the second position.

4. The lid (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the second flange portion (46) extends inwardly from the first flange portion (45) a greater distance at corners (50) of the perimeter (30) compared to the second flange portions (46) at non-corner portions of the perimeter.

5. The lid (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the membrane (20) is at least partially transparent.

6. The lid (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein at least a portion of the membrane (20) includes a non-linear cross-sectional profile (22).

7. The lid (10) according to claim 6 wherein a portion of the membrane (20) includes an undulated profile in cross-section to allow for the lid (10) to be stretched;

8. The lid (10) according to claim 6 or claim 7 wherein a portion of the membrane (20) includes a concertinaed arrangement to allow for the lid to be stretched; preferably wherein at least a portion of the membrane includes a plurality of pyramidic protrusions (25, 26, 27, 29).

9. The lid (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the external edge of the flange (40) includes a protruding member to assist in applying leverage to the lid when applying or removing the lid to a storage unit.

10. The lid (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the membrane is depressable whilst a substantial portion of the flange is engaged about the lip of the storage unit, wherein excess air contained in the storage unit is expelled via a lifted portion of the flange when the membrane is depressed.

11. An endless band (300), a storage unit (200), and a covering plate (400) for the storage unit (200), the band (300) including:

a first flange portion (310) which is elastically urged against a top surface of the covering plate (400) resting against the lip (210) of the storage unit (200) such that a substantial seal is formed between the covering plate (400) and the lip of the storage unit (200);

a second flange portion (320), extending from the first flange portion (310); and

a third flange portion (330), extending from the second flange portion (320) substantially parallel relative to the first flange portion (310), wherein the third flange portion (330) is elastically urged to seal against an underside of the lip of the storage unit (200); and

characterised in that the second flange portion (320) extends substantially orthogonal to the first flange portion (310)

12. The features of claim 11 wherein the first flange portion (310), the second flange portion (320), and the third flange portion (330) have a cross-sectional thickness which is substantially equal; preferably wherein the third flange portion (330) located at comers of band protrude inwardly from the second flange portion (320) relative to the third flange portion (330) located at non-corner portions of the band (300).

Ansprüche

1. Deckel (10) zum weitgehenden Versiegeln einer Speichereinheit (200), wobei der Deckel eine elastisch dehnbare Membran (20) aufweisend einen Umfang (30) mit einem elastisch dehnbaren Flansch (40) beinhaltet, der mit einer an einem Rand einer Speichereinheit bereitgestellten Lippe (210) zusammenwirken kann, worin, im Einsatz, der Flansch (40) elastisch zum Abdichten gegen die Lippe einer Speichereinheit gezwungen wird, worin der elastisch dehnbare Flansch Folgendes beinhaltet:

einen ersten Flanschabschnitt (45), der sich von der Membran (20) erstreckt,

einen zweiten Flanschabschnitt (46), der sich vom ersten Flanschabschnitt (45) erstreckt, und

wodurch, im Einsatz, ein Abschnitt der Membran (20) neben dem Flansch (40) ist, wobei die ersten Flanschabschnitte (45) und die zweiten Flanschabschnitte (46) zusammenwirken, um um die Lippe (210) einer Speichereinheit herum einzugreifen, und die elastisch dehnbare Membran eine offene Fläche einer Speichereinheit (200) umschließt; und

dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass sich der erste Flanschabschnitt (45) im Wesentlichen orthogonal relativ zu einer Ebene der Membran (20) erstreckt;
sich der zweite Flanschabschnitt (46) im Wesentlichen parallel und einwärts relativ zur Ebene der Membran erstreckt; und
die ersten und zweiten Flanschabschnitte (45, 46) eine Querschnittsdicke aufweisen, die größer als eine Querschnittsdicke der Membran (20) ist.

2. Deckel (10) nach Anspruch 1, worin der Flansch (40) bewegbar ist zwischen einer ersten Position, worin der Flansch zusammenwirkend in die Lippe (210) der Speichereinheit eingreifen kann, und einer zweiten Position, worin mindestens ein Teil des Flansches (40) nach außen gerichtet ist, sodass eine innere Oberfläche (41) des Flansches (40), die gegen die Lippe (210) der Speichereinheit (200) eingreift, nach außen zeigt.

3. Deckel (10) nach Anspruch 1 oder Anspruch 2, worin der Umfang (30) eine oder mehrere Ecken (50) beinhaltet, worin mindestens einige der Ecken verdrehbar sind, um den Flansch (40) zwischen der ersten Position und der zweiten Position zu bewegen.

4. Deckel (10) nach irgendeinem der Ansprüche 1 bis 3, worin sich der zweite Flanschabschnitt (46) einwärts vom ersten Flanschabschnitt (45) um eine größere Distanz an Ecken (50) des Umfangs (30) im Vergleich zu den zweiten Flanschabschnitten (46) an Abschnitten ohne Ecken des Umfangs erstreckt.

5. Deckel (10) nach irgendeinem der Ansprüche 1 bis 4, worin die Membran (20) mindestens teilweise transparent ist.

6. Deckel (10) nach irgendeinem der Ansprüche 1 bis 5, worin mindestens ein Abschnitt der Membran (20) ein nichtlineares Querschnittsprofil (22) beinhaltet.

7. Deckel (10) nach Anspruch 6, worin ein Abschnitt der Membran (20) ein gewelltes Profil im Querschnitt beinhaltet, damit der Deckel (10) gedehnt werden kann.

8. Deckel (10) nach Anspruch 6 oder Anspruch 7, worin ein Abschnitt der Membran (20) eine ziehharmonikaartige Anordnung beinhaltet, damit der Deckel gedehnt werden kann; vorzugsweise, worin mindestens ein Abschnitt der Membran eine Mehrzahl von pyramidenförmigen Vorsprüngen (25, 26, 27, 29) beinhaltet.

9. Deckel (10) nach irgendeinem der Ansprüche 1 bis 8, worin die Außenkante des Flansches (40) ein vorspringendes Element beinhaltet, um die Anwendung von Hebelkraft auf den Deckel beim Anbringen oder Abnehmen des Deckels an eine oder von einer Speichereinheit zu unterstützen.

10. Deckel (10) nach irgendeinem der Ansprüche 1 bis 9, worin die Membran niederdrückbar ist, während ein wesentlicher Abschnitt des Flansches um die Lippe der Speichereinheit herum eingreift, worin überschüssige, in der Speichereinheit enthaltene Luft über einen angehobenen Abschnitt des Flansches beim Niederdrücken der Membran ausgestoßen wird.

11. Endlosband, (300), eine Speichereinheit (200) und eine Abdeckplatte (400) für die Speichereinheit (200), wobei das Band (300) Folgendes beinhaltet:

einen ersten Flanschabschnitt (310), der elastisch gegen eine obere Oberfläche der Abdeckplatte (400) gezwungen wird, die an der Lippe (210) der Speichereinheit (200) anliegt, sodass eine wesentliche Abdichtung zwischen der Abdeckplatte (400) und der Lippe der Speichereinheit (200) entsteht;

einen zweiten Flanschabschnitt (320), der sich vom ersten Flanschabschnitt (310) erstreckt; und

einen dritten Flanschabschnitt (330), der sich vom zweiten Flanschabschnitt (320) im Wesentlichen parallel relativ zum ersten Flanschabschnitt (310) erstreckt, worin der dritte Flanschabschnitt (330) elastisch zum Abdichten gegen eine Unterseite der Lippe (210) der Speichereinheit (200) gezwungen wird; und

dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass sich der zweite Flanschabschnitt (320) im Wesentlichen orthogonal zum ersten Flanschabschnitt (310) erstreckt.

12. Merkmale nach Anspruch 11, worin der erste Flanschabschnitt (310), der zweite Flanschabschnitt (320) und der dritte Flanschabschnitt (330) eine Querschnittsdicke aufweisen, die im Wesentlichen gleich ist; vorzugsweise, worin der dritte Flanschabschnitt (330), der an Bandecken befindlich ist, einwärts vom zweiten Flanschabschnitt (320) relativ zum dritten Flanschabschnitt (330), der sich an Abschnitten ohne Ecken des Bandes (300) befindet, vorspringt.

Revendications

1. Un couvercle (10) destiné à sceller sensiblement une unité de stockage (200), le couvercle comprenant une membrane élastiquement étirable (20) possédant un périmètre (30) comprenant une bride élastiquement étirable (40) pouvant coopérer avec une lèvre (210) prévue sur un rebord d'une unité de stockage, dans lequel, en cours d'utilisation, la bride (40) est sollicitée élastiquement pour se sceller contre la lèvre d'une unité de stockage, dans lequel la bride élastiquement étirable comprend :

une première partie de bride (45), s'étendant depuis la membrane (20),

une deuxième partie de bride (46), s'étendant depuis la première partie de bride (45), et

par lequel, en cours d'utilisation, une partie de la membrane (20) adjacente à la bride (40), les premières parties de bride (45) et les deuxièmes parties de bride (46) coopèrent pour faire prise autour de la lèvre (210) d'une unité de stockage, et la membrane élastiquement étirable enserre une face ouverte d'une unité de stockage (200) ; et

caractérisé en ce que la première partie de bride (45) s'étend sensiblement perpendiculairement à un plan de la membrane (20) ;
la deuxième partie de bride (46) s'étend sensiblement parallèlement au et vers l'intérieur du plan de la membrane ; et
les première et deuxième parties de bride (45, 46) ont une épaisseur de section transversale supérieure à une épaisseur de section transversale de la membrane (20).

2. Le couvercle (10) selon la revendication 1, dans lequel la bride (40) peut être déplacée entre une première position, dans laquelle la bride peut coopérer pour mettre en prise la lèvre (210) de l'unité de stockage, et une deuxième position dans laquelle au moins une partie de la bride (40) est tournée vers l'extérieur de manière à ce qu'une surface intérieure (41) de la bride (40) qui se met en prise contre la lèvre (210) de l'unité de stockage (200) est tournée vers l'extérieur.

3. Le couvercle (10) selon la revendication 1 ou la revendication 2, dans lequel le périmètre (30) comprend un ou plusieurs coins (50), dans lequel au moins certains des coins peuvent être tordus pour déplacer la bride (40) entre la première position et la deuxième position.

4. Le couvercle (10) selon une quelconque des revendications 1 à 3, dans lequel la deuxième partie de bride (46) s'étend vers l'intérieur depuis la première partie de bride (45) sur une distance supérieure aux coins (50) du périmètre (30) par rapport aux deuxièmes parties de bride (46) aux parties sans coins du périmètre.

5. Le couvercle (10) selon une quelconque des revendications 1 à 4, dans lequel la membrane (20) est au moins partiellement transparente.

6. Le couvercle (10) selon une quelconque des revendications 1 à 5, dans lequel au moins une partie de la membrane (20) comprend un profil de section transversale non linéaire (22).

7. Le couvercle (10) selon la revendication 6, dans lequel une partie de la membrane (20) comprend un profil ondulé en section transversale pour permettre au couvercle (10) d'être étiré.

8. Le couvercle (10) selon la revendication 6 ou la revendication 7, dans lequel une partie de la membrane (20) comprend un agencement en accordéon pour permettre au couvercle d'être étiré ; de préférence dans lequel au moins une partie de la membrane comprend une pluralité de protubérances pyramidales (25, 26, 27, 29).

9. Le couvercle (10) selon une quelconque des revendications 1 à 8, dans lequel de bord extérieur de la bride (40) comprend un organe protubérant pour aider à exercer un effet de levier sur le couvercle quand on applique le couvercle sur une unité de stockage ou qu'on l'en retire.

10. Le couvercle (10) selon une quelconque des revendications 1 à 9, dans lequel la membrane peut être enfoncée pendant qu'une partie substantielle de la bride est en prise autour de la lèvre de l'unité de stockage, dans lequel l'excédent d'air contenu dans l'unité de stockage est expulsé via une partie soulevée de la bride quand la membrane est enfoncée.

11. Une bande sans fin (300), une unité de stockage (200) et une plaque de couverture (400) pour l'unité de stockage (200), la bande (300) comprenant :

une première partie de bride (310) qui est sollicitée élastiquement contre une surface supérieure de la plaque de couverture (400) reposant contre la lèvre (210) de l'unité de stockage (200) de manière à ce qu'un scellement substantiel soit formé entre la plaque de couverture (400) et la lèvre de l'unité de stockage (200) ;

une deuxième partie de bride (320), s'étendant depuis la première partie de bride (310); et

une troisième partie de bride (330), s'étendant depuis la deuxième partie de bride (320) sensiblement parallèlement à la première partie de bride (310), dans laquelle la troisième partie de bride (330) est sollicitée élastiquement pour se sceller contre un dessous de la lèvre (210) de l'unité de stockage (200) ; et

caractérisée en ce que la deuxième partie de bride (320) s'étend sensiblement parallèlement à la première partie de bride (310).

12. Les caractéristiques de la revendication 11, dans lesquelles la première partie de bride (310), la deuxième partie de bride (320) et la troisième partie de bride (330) possèdent une épaisseur de section transversale qui est sensiblement égale ; de préférence dans lesquelles la troisième partie de bride (330) située à des coins de la bande fait saillie vers l'intérieur depuis la deuxième partie de bride (320) relativement à la troisième partie de bride (330) située en des parties sans coins de la bande (300).

Drawing